Virtual input system

ABSTRACT

For a user having a user input actuator, a virtual interface device, such as for a gaming machine, for determining actuation of a virtual input by the input actuator is disclosed. The device comprises a position sensing device for determining a location of the user input actuator and a controller coupled to the position sensing device, the controller determining whether a portion of the user input actuator is within a virtual input location in space defining the virtual input.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system for providing a virtual input,such as for an electronic gaming machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Player interaction with a gaming machine is typically limited totouching a touch screen sensor or depressing an electromechanicalswitch. A touch screen sensor usually fits the shape and size of anassociated active display, such as an LCD or a CRT.

A typical gaming touch screen assembly consists of a touch screen sensorattached to the front surface of an active display device, such as a CRTor an LCD. The sensor is connected to a touch screen controller, whichsends touch position data to the game controller. The basic sensormaterial is typically plastic or glass and requires a transparentconductive oxide (TCO) layer, such as Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), wires oracoustic components to work. The specifics depend on the type of touchscreen technology (capacitive, resistive, acoustic and near-field).

The sensor surfaces are typically flat, but could be slightly curved,such as for example CRT's. All of these conventional sensor technologieshave limitations when dealing with large surface sizes, non-planar ordiscontinuous surfaces, and no-contact requirements. This limits theareas where a touch screen can be used on a gaming machine, or othersystems requiring such user input.

Additionally, electromechanical switches have limitations.Electro-mechanical switches have been used on gaming machines fordecades. The number of switches is limited by the size of the mechanicalpanel. And when the game on the gaming machine is changed, the switchesand/or labels must be replaced. Therefore, they are not programmable andmust be located in a convenient location for the player to reach.

A primary objective of this invention is to provide another form of userinput, such as for a gaming machine, other than using a conventionalphysical surface or mechanical device. The present system is able tosense a touch on a virtual surface. The virtual surface may be in themiddle of the air. The virtual surface may be close to the actualsurface, so close it seems that it was a physical touch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a virtual input system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a Doppler radar sensor module as utilizedby the virtual input system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic sensor module as utilized bythe virtual input system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are respective front and side views of a gamingmachine top box which utilizes the virtual input system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view of a hemispherical display of the top box of FIGS. 4 aand 4 b;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an IR camera sensor according to thepresent invention; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an IR/laser scanning sensor, according tothe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

The present invention is described herein with respect to an interactivegame surface device (IGSD) 10, a specific embodiment for use inconjunction with a gaming machine. It should be understood that thepresent invention is also applicable for use with other systemsrequiring similar user input.

The IGSD 10 allows any surface, non-conductive or otherwise, to be usedfor player input. It allows a player to touch an animated figure or anon-planar display in a top box of a gaming device, discussed below. TheIGSD 10 also allows the player to use a hand or body movement as aninteractive input.

In a first embodiment, the IGSD 10 includes a first sensor module, suchas a lower power Doppler radar sensor module 12, and a second sensormodule, such as an ultrasonic sensor module 14. Alternatively, and asdiscussed further below, the IGSD may include only single Doppler radarsensor module, multiple Doppler radar sensor modules, an IR camera, oran infrared/laser scan sensor.

According to Doppler radar theory, a constant frequency signal that isreflected off a moving surface, in this case the skin or clothing of theplayer, will result in a reflected signal at the same frequency, butwith a time varying phase indicative of the relative motion.

In the first embodiment, the Doppler radar sensor module 12 sensesmovement of all or part of the body via skin or clothing reflections.The Doppler radar sensor module 12 could sense the light movement of thefingers, even the beating of a heart.

With software mapping, the Doppler radar sensor module 12 can sense netamount of motion, mean speed, and average direction for objects in itsfield of view. With frequency modulation, the Doppler radar sensormodule 12 can sense range.

The Doppler radar sensor module 12 must be physically located such thatit has a view of the player unobstructed by a surface which is opaque toradar, such as a conductive surface. The center of the field of sensingof the Doppler radar sensor module 12 is usually perpendicular to theorientation of its antenna. The Doppler radar sensor module 12 could bemounted at the side of the gaming machine and aimed so that its field ofsensing goes across, or on top of, a surface, which could be metal. Thefield of sensing would be limited, but this might be desirable for aparticular application.

The ultrasonic sensor module 14 utilizes sound energy, or sonar signals,at frequencies of 20 to 100 Kh range. Solid objects reflect this soundenergy, and the time difference between transmission and receptionindicates range and direction.

Radar signals and sonar signals have different reflective and speedcharacteristics. Therefore, they are a good combination when dealingwith distances between 2-3 cm to 5 meters.

The IGSD 10 also includes an IGSD controller 18, such as a dedicatedembedded controller or a standard microprocessor. The IGSD controller 18provides control, power, interface, and data translation for the Dopplerradar and ultrasonic sensor modules 12, 14. The IGSD controller 18 alsoincludes a conventional USB communication channel 20 to a host 24.

The Doppler radar sensor module 12 uses a low power (<10 mw) 2.45 Ghzmicrowave sensor. Referring to FIG. 2, the Doppler radar sensor module12 includes a first micro-patch array 26 as a receiving antenna and asecond micro-patch array 28 as a transmitting antenna.

The radar module 12 can be configured for continuous wave (CW) operationor for frequency modulated/continuous wave (FM-CW) operation. The CWconfiguration provides simple motion detection only. The FM-CWconfiguration adds range sensing.

The Doppler radar sensor module 12 is provided with a 15 to 20 degreebeam-width with a range of 20 to 1 feet. Depending on the location ofthe antennas 26, 28 of the Doppler radar sensor module 12 within thegaming machine, not only can the Doppler radar sensor module 12 detectobjects at the front of the gaming machine, but also hands and fingerstouching the surface of the gaming machine.

The Doppler radar sensor module 12 can provide motion and rangedetection. However when the Doppler radar sensor module 12 is usedalone, there can be problems with reflections and noise from multiplesources, such as large groups of people or metal carts in the vicinityof the gaming machine. This potential problem can be minimized orprevented by using multiple radar modules 12, discussed below. However,one can preferably also use ultrasonic sensors on the low side of theelectromagnetic frequency spectrum, as also discussed below.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic sensor module 14 drives several38-80 Khz ultrasonic transceivers, or sensors, 30. Each of theultrasonic sensors 30 includes an ultrasonic transmitter 30 a and anultrasonic receiver 30 b. The ultrasonic sensors 30 are small,cylindrical sensors which can be installed in various points on thegaming machine. The sensors 30 connect to the rest of the ultrasonicmodule 14 via cable. Using data processing, the IGSD controller 18determines the best data image.

Although the IGSD controller 18 preferably includes dual ultrasonicsensors, one sensor can be used, or two of the same type of sensor.Other types of sensors could be used if the application requires such,such as an optical sensor.

Referring to FIG. 1, the IGSD controller 18 provides control and datatranslation. The USB communication interface 20 is provided between theIGSD controller 18 and the host system 24. The host system 24 providesset-up information, which is used by the IGSB controller 18 and thesensor modules 12, 14.

The sensor modules 12, 14 acquire data in the form of sensor images.After data processing, the modules 12, 14 send data streams to the IGSBcontroller 18. The IGSB controller 18 processes this data, looking forsequences and combinations that match parameters loaded in during aset-up routine. For example, the host system 24 wants the IGSD 10 toperform two functions: 1) provide a people sensor during an attractmode; and 2) provide touch data during bonus mode.

The host system 24 continuously provides mode status to the IGSD 10,which in turn changes the parameters for determining what data, and whendata, is sent to the host system 24.

Each of the sensor modules 12, 14, includes a respective processor 12 a,14 a. The present system was designed to maximize the workload of theprocessors 12 a, 14 a, on each respective sensor module 12, 14, allowingthe IGSD controller 18 to handle the integration of both data imagesfrom the modules 12, 14. This could be a function of the host system 24if the processor of the host system 24 could handle the extra workloadand use USB communication. This would eliminate the IGSD controller 18,or at least function of the IGSD controller 18.

The Doppler radar sensor module 12 is illustrated in detail in FIG. 2.The Doppler radar sensor module 12 interfaces to the IGSB controller 18via a conventional USB connection. The processor 12 a of the Dopplerradar sensor module 12 is a digital signal processor (DSP), such as aTexas Instruments TMS320 series DSP. The radar sensor module 12 uses theradar sensor module processor 12 a for control, sampling, filtering anddata processing.

The radar sensor module 12 includes an RF Oscillator 34 set for 2.45Ghz. In the CW mode, this is the frequency of the transmitting signal.In the FM-CW mode, a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 36 provides afrequency control voltage to the RF Oscillator 34. The output of the RFoscillator 34 drives the transmitting antenna 28 via a directionalcoupler 35. The signal is coupled to the receiving input, which is mixedby a mixer 38 with the signal from the receiving antenna 26. The outputof the mixer 38 is an IF frequency signal, which is the difference ofthe transmitted and received signals.

In the CW mode, the IF frequency signal relates to the relative velocityof the object. In the FM-CW mode, the IF frequency signal relates to thedistance due to function of time. The IF frequency signal is amplifiedby a programmable IF amplifier 39 and fed to a filter circuit 40, whichhelps remove noise. The output of the filter circuit 40 is connected toan A/D input of the radar module procesor 12 a. The radar moduleprocessor 12 a processes the signal, using peak detection, digitalfiltering, and measurements, providing a digital image. If the digitalimage meets certain parameters, depending on the set-up, the radarmodule processor 12 a could send a complete data stream or just amessage.

It should be understood that other radar designs would work. A frequencyof 2.45 Ghz is used here because it is in the ISM frequency band, anunlicensed range. However as a result, power output is limited (˜20 dbm)due to FCC rules. There could be other frequencies that would operatewith more accuracy.

A 4×4 array is used for the micro-strip patch array antennas 26, 28 ofthe present embodiment. The 4×4 array is formed of 16 small squaresconnected together. PCB cladding material is used as part of the layout.The antenna array mandates the sensor be mounted behind a non-conductivesurface. Depending on the frequency, the antenna array will change intype and size. Using an array of 4″×4″, or smaller, one can place thearray in a plastic structure or behind a glass panel. Commerciallyspecialized antennas are available which are designed for specific beampatterns. Other optimal antenna configurations are possible, such asphased antennas, different sized arrays or a helical configuration fornarrow beam width. With increased sensitivity and increased dataprocessing, one could sense the vital signs of people standing in frontof the machine.

Referring to FIG. 3, ultrasonic sensors operate in the basic mode oftransmitting a burst of ultrasonic frequency, and then waiting a certainperiod of time. Following this period of time, a reflected signal, orecho, of the pulse previously transmitted is received. As is well known,the time between transmission and reception is proportional to theobject's distance. Depending on the sensor device, the beam width can beadapted to the application. Using multiple sensor devices and angulationprocessing improves resolution and accuracy.

The processor 14 a of the ultrasonic module 14 is a microprocessorcontroller (MPC) 14 a, such as a Philips Semiconductors P8051. Theprocessor 14 a controls operation of the sensor devices and interfacesto the IGSD controller 18 via a conventional USB communications link.

The processor 14 a is connected to an ultrasonic sensor 30. However, theprocessor 14 a could control multiple ultrasonic sensors 30. Thelimitation is the number of I/O lines on the processor 14 a, and cost.An oscillator 42 oscillates at a frequency set for 38 Khz, matching thesensor specification. The oscillator 42 has two outputs; one is 38 Khz(digital) for the processor 14 a, and the other is a 38 Khz (sin wave)for the transmitters. A gated amplifier 44 controls the length of theburst, plus provide a high voltage output for the transmitter 30 a. Theprocessor 14 a provides control. If multiple sensors 30 are utilized, itis important to gate each ultrasonic transmitter to turn on one at atime, especially if multiple receivers will detect the reflected signal.

Although the beam width for the transmitter is narrow, >10 degrees, andthe range is short (5 ft to 2 in), the reflections can bemulti-directional depending on the object. All 38 Khz signals areignored beyond an established time limit. These signals could bereflecting off an object greater than 5 ft or caused by a nearby noisesource. A combination filter/peak detector 46 eliminates unwantedfrequencies and converts the AC signal into a digital signal for theultrasonic module controller 14 a.

Data processing by the ultrasonic module controller 14 a provides dataanalysis, comparing the 38 Khz signal from the oscillator 42 to thereceived signal in order to determine range and direction. If there aremultiple ultrasonic sensors 30, the ultrasonic module controller 14 aperforms various triangulation computations for increased accuracy. Theultrasonic sensor module controller 14 a then sends a data image to theIGSD controller 18.

There are different circuits and types of ultrasonic sensors that couldalternately be used. The 38 Khz sensor is used here because such sensorsare very available. However, higher frequencies could be better forusing the Doppler effect for detecting moving objects.

Both the Doppler radar sensor module 12 and the ultrasonic sensor module14 are plagued by unwanted reflections. Accordingly, circuitry isprovided to set the receive sensitivity of both the modules 12, 14.

The Doppler radar sensor module 12 works better by first adjusting toits environment, so the programmable IF amplifier 39 is utilized. Theradar sensor processor 12 a is coupled to the programmable IF amplifier39. This provides a 4-level (2 bits binary) programmable control for theprogrammable IF amplifier 39.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the programmable Ultrasonic receiver 30 b Theultrasonic sensor processor 14 a is coupled to a programmable amplifier47 located between the filter/peak detector and the receiver 30 b. Theprogrammable amplifier 47 is also coupled to the processor 14 a, and haseight (3 bits) levels of sensitivity. The programmable amplifier 47adjusts the sensitivity of the filter/peak detector 46. When the IGSD 10is turned on, or goes through a reset, the IGSD controller 18 sends outa control signal to the programmable amplifier 47 to adjust the receiver30 b for optimal sensitivity. Optimal sensitivity is achieved byadjusting the respective received signal, measuring any reflections, andthen readjusting and repeating. This continues until optimized, undercontrol of the IGSD controller 18, because it's important to limit onlyunwanted reflections, not true ones.

After setting optimal operating parameters, if multiple ultrasonicsensors 30 are utilized, the sensors 30 cooperate, using theirprogrammable capabilities. As the reflections move closer to themachine, the ultrasonic sensors 30 are given the command to reducesensitivities, removing background reflections. There could be caseswhen one wants the sensors to adjust for maximum sensitivity.

According to a second embodiment, a second Doppler radar sensor modules12 is utilized instead of the ultrasonic sensor module 14. Using twoDoppler radar sensor modules 12 provides greater flexibility in design.A Doppler radar sensor will not work behind conducting surfaces, such assteel, aluminum, and the like, and the location is important to sensedirection of motion. But with two Doppler radar sensors, one canphysically locate them in two different areas with overlapping fields ofscan where one wants the player to touch. It allows the object to stayin view of both, or at least one, sensor at any time, resulting in noblind spots. Plus, it provides a three dimensional field of view incertain areas, providing a greater detection of other hand movementsthat could be used for other than playing the machine. For example, onecould request a drink by making a particular hand gesture, and themachine will send a signal to the bar ordering the drink. Although thisconfiguration improves accuracy, the cost is higher.

Configuration of the Doppler radar sensor module 12 and the ultrasonicsensor module 14 is as follows. Once set for optimal, both sensors 12,14 must report an object in the field of sensing to start the process.If one or both sensors 12, 14 report an object getting closer, theultrasonic sensor module 14 reduces its output to check. With morecontrol over the ultrasonic sensor module 14, one can reduce the numberof reflections because the distance the signal can be received from thesource has been limited per the square law rule. If a valid reflectionis sensed, the Doppler and utrasonic sensor modules 12, 14 re-adjust andthen re-verify. This repeats until the object is in front of the gamingmachine by a player distance. To maximize people interaction with themachine, one could use different attract visuals and sound depending onthe distance of the object sensed. Absent software analysis of themotion of the detected object, the IGSD 10 does not know whether it hasdetected a human, or whether it has detected some other object, such asa vacuum cleaner. With both sensor modules 12, 14 verifying each other,accuracy is improved.

Once there's an action to begin play of the machine, such as byinsertion of a coin, the IGSD 10 knows it has detected a human. Theapplication sends commands to the Doppler radar sensor module 12 via thecontroller to change the transmitting and receiving parameters to focuson the area between the player and the touch area. If the touch area isvery close to the sensor modules 12, 14, the ultrasonic sensor module 14is used to sense the touch, but the Doppler radar sensor module hasalready notified the IGSD controller 18 that a hand or arm isapproaching.

A top-box 50 is illustrated in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. The top-box 50 is amechanical structure located above a main cabinet or main game area of agaming machine (not shown). Top-box designs are used for playerattraction and bonus game play, as are well known. There are many typesof images displayed on top-boxes, such as spinning wheels, rotatingreels, mechanically animated devices or other displays. Some top-boxdisplays have a non-planar shape, such as a hemispherically formedscreen 52. In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the image spins orrotates as part of a bonus game. The player can cause the image to stopby touching the image, or extending the player's arm toward the image,but not making actual contact with the actual image.

According to the present invention, the Doppler radar sensor module 12is located above a video projection unit 54 inside the top-box 50.Because the surface of the screen 52 is made of rear projectionmaterial, the screen 52 has a clear field of view towards the player.The ultrasonic sensors 30 are installed around the bottom of the displayand provide additional coverage if the Doppler radar sensor module 12has a so-called dead spot near the edges of the screen 52.

Other top-box designs can be in the form of mechanical doors. The playerpoints to one of the doors and/or touches the door, which opens toreveal the amount of the bonus. In this top-box design, the Dopplerradar antennas are mounted above the top-box doors, and a respective oneof the ultrasonic sensors 30 is located next to each door. The hostsystem 24 notifies the IGSD controller 18 that the game is in a bonusmode. The IGSD controller 18 begins to monitor and translate the datastreams from the sensor modules 12, 14. In this example, the doors aretoo far from the player, so the player is required to point to the door.Data from Doppler radar sensor module 12 shows motion and a setdirection. The ultrasonic sensor module 14 shows position and a setdirection. Triangulation confirms the angle and set direction. Motionstop and data is verified. The IGSD controller 18 sends the result tothe host controller 24.

Typically gaming machines have a silk-screened glass panel below themain play area called the belly glass. Some gaming machines have anotherone above the main play area called the top glass. Because these glasspanels typically go through a silk-screen process, it would be verydifficult to use it as a touch-sensor, especially if thesetouch-sensor/glass panels required a wired connection. This would resultin the disconnecting and connecting of the glass panels every time themachine is accessed for troubleshooting or the glass panel is replaced.Using the IGSD 10 of the present invention, no direct connection to theglass panel is required. The Doppler radar sensor module 12 is placedbehind the glass panel, and one is able to use the glass panel as aplayer input.

Another use of the IGSD 10 is for player attraction. Gaming machines usea combination of visuals and sounds to attract players to the machines.With the IGSD 10, one can have a dynamic attraction. The IGSD 10 cansense people walking by the gaming machine, or stopping to look. This inturn can cause a change in the visuals and sounds, attracting a possibleplayer. Sensing the position and direction, the gaming machine wouldagain change the visuals and sounds as the person nears the machine.Gender can be determined, which enables a different set of visuals andsounds.

In a third embodiment, only a single Doppler radar sensor module 12 isutilized, no ultrasonic, or other sensor. The single Doppler radarsensor module 12 can detect any object in its field of sensing, movingor range and motion, depending on microwave type. The single Dopplerradar sensor module 12 will sense motion, speed and direction as anobject approaches the machine. It could be used as an object sensor,which would be used to change attract modes. It is unable to distinguisha human from an inanimate object, unless the sensor has the sensitivity,and the IGSD controller 18 has the computing power, to be able to detectheartbeat by sensing the blood flow in the arm or hand, but, such wouldbe a relatively complex configuration.

For example a top box display could respond to the approaching object,with a welcome screen or a preview of a bonus play. The only way toverify the object is a player is to use the attract mode changes, butwait until the host 24 detects the start of a game, such as uponinsertion of a coin, before using it as a touch sensor. The disadvantageof the simple configuration compared to configurations with multiplesensors is the possibility of blind area. These are areas within thefield of sensing that motion detection can be easily blocked, so thelocation of the sensor is important. Also, the touch area cannot be toclose to the sensor because the Doppler radar sensor module 12 typicallycannot detect close objects, such as those within 1 ft. The mainadvantage of this simple configuration is the cost and the size of thesensor module.

An embodiment utilizing an IR camera sensor 59 is illustrated in FIG. 6.The IR camera sensor 59 includes an IR camera sensor processor 59 acoupled via an LED driver 60 to an IR emitter array 62. The IR camerasensor 59 further includes an IR camera 64, also coupled to the IRcamera sensor processor 59 a. The most common configuration of the LEDemitter array 62 is a circle of LEDS around the lens of the IR camera64. The IR camera 64 has several manual or programmable features, suchas focus, sensitivity, and the like. An application program in the IRcamera sensor processor 59 a provides noise filtering, gray levelconversion, and detection.

The IR emitter array 62 floods the area around the machine with infraredlight. To a human, this light is invisible, but not to the IR camera 64.The human eye acts like a mirror to the IR wavelength. When looking atthe machine, the IR light reflects off the retina of the eye, and thelens of the eye focuses this reflected light towards the IR camera 64.The IR camera 64, being sensitive to IR light, will sense reflectedlight, and the IGSD controller 18 can determine, via softwareapplication, if the received IR light is actually an eye reflection.

The IR camera 64 can also be used to detect motion, using angularprocessing as reflections move. However, it cannot accurately determinedistance. The IR camera sensor 59 would appear as another deviceconnected to the IGSD controller 18. The IR camera sensor 59 would beused in conjunction with any of the above described systems.

Alternatively, a standard camera, also designated 64, can be utilized todetect human form. All of this is to determine if the object detectedfor motion is actually a human player, rather than some inanimate device

A final embodiment utilizing an infrared laser scan sensor 70 isillustrated in FIG. 7. The infrared laser scan sensor 70 is preferablyutilized in conjunction with the ultrasonic sensor 30, discussed above.The infrared laser scan sensor 70 is capable of being mounted in smallareas. It can be mounted behind metallic surfaces, although it wouldrequire a small opening in the surface. The opening could be coveredwith plastic or glass, provided the covering is not opaque to the infrared light.

The infrared laser scan sensor comprises an infrared projector 72 and aninfrared detector 74. The infrared projector 72 comprises: (1) an IR orred laser 76; (2) a reflector device 78, such as a digital micro-mirrordevice (DMD), as provided by Texas Instruments, or a MEMS(Micro-Electrical mechanical system) scanner; and (3) a lens 80. Theprojector 72 further includes a scanner interface 82 and a laser driver84. The scanner interface 82 can be digital drivers, or a DAC, dependingon the type of reflector device 78. The laser module 76 can becontinuous, pulsed or modulated, all under control of the processor 70a.

The reflective device 78 is extremely small, and requires a narrow beam.The lens 80 assures the light beam covers the entire surface to bescanned.

The infrared projector 72 beams light into a prismatoid shaped patternin front of the sensor opening. As is known in the art, the DMD and MEMSuse mechanical action to sequentially reflect light from an X-Y array ofreflectors under control of the processor 70 a. The reflector located inthe upper left corner is first activated, sending the reflected beam outtoward a first point in space. Then the next reflector is activated,sending the reflected beam toward a second, adjacent point in space.This continues until each reflector has been activated, at which timethe process is repeated.

The high rate of switching between individual reflectors of thereflector device 78 causes a laser beam to be reflected in an X-Ypattern through the lens, forming a prismatoid field of sensing. Aphysical object is in this field is be scanned by the laser. Theinfrared detector 74 is coupled to the processor 70 a by a programmableamplifier 86 and a filter/peak detector 88. The detector 74 detects thereflection of the laser spot (beam) off of the object, generating anoutput trigger signal. This trigger signal with information identifyingthe particular reflector activated at that time indicates the locationof the illuminated point of the object. The IR detector 78 has a widefield of sensing, and a programmable amplifier 86, under control of theprocessor, adjusts the output of the detector 78.

A hand in the field of scanning could generate hundreds of triggers andeach trigger will appear at different X-Y locations. The IGSD 10, or thehost 24 would use angular processing providing motion detection andlocation, but referencing these as if they were on a single plane of thethree dimensional space. Accordingly, the ultrasonic sensor 30 wouldwork in conjunction with the infrared laser sensor 70

Relative position is determined by using the X-Y coordinates as areflected signal is detected. Motion can be determined be comparing therelative changes in the reflected signals or by using the Dopplereffect. One feature of the laser scan sensor 70 is its ability tooutline objects in the field of sensing, such as to distinguish a humanoutline from that of a cart. The laser scan sensor 70 can also determinethe number of people standing in front of the machine. This feature canbe used for very interesting attract modes.

Alternatively, an IR camera system could be used to detect the X-Ylocation of the reflected beam and then use the next set of scans todetermine angular movement, although this would be more complex.

The beam scan gets larger further away from the source, like an invertedpyramid. When the ultrasonic sensor detects the object is in the virtualtouch area, and the infrared laser scan sensor sends the correct X-Ycoordinate, the system determines the touch is valid.

While the specific embodiment has been illustrated and described,numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing fromthe spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limitedby the scope of the accompanying claims.

1. A virtual game interface device for determining actuation of avirtual input by a user input actuator associated with a user, thedevice comprising; a position sensing device for determining a locationof the user input actuator at a virtual input location; a motion sensingdevice including an electromagnetic transceiver module for detectingmotion at the virtual input location; and a controller coupled to theposition sensing device and the motion sensing device, the controllerdetermining whether a portion of the user input actuator is within thevirtual input location in space defining the virtual input.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the controller generates an output signalindicating actuation of the virtual input when the controller determinesa portion of the user input actuator is within the virtual inputlocation.
 3. The device of claim 1 including a programmable componentfor selectively adjusting the sensitivity of the position sensingdevice.
 4. The device of claim 1 including a plurality of the positionsensing devices.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the electromagnetictransceiver module is a Doppler radar sensor.
 6. The device of claim 5,wherein the Doppler radar sensor includes at least two micro-patcharrays.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein one of the micro-patch arraysfunctions as a transmitting antenna, and the other of the micro-patcharrays functions as a receiving antenna.
 8. The device of claim 5,wherein the Doppler radar sensor is configured for frequency modulatedcontinuous wave (FMCW) operation.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein theDoppler radar sensor has a beam width between 15° to 20°.
 10. The deviceof claim 5 wherein the Doppler radar sensor includes a digital signalprocessor.
 11. The device of claim 1 including a plurality of theelectromagnetic transceivers.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein theposition sensing device includes an ultrasonic sensor module.
 13. Thedevice of claim 12 wherein the position sensing device includes anelectromagnetic sensor module.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein theposition sensing device includes a camera sensor.
 15. The device ofclaim 14, wherein the camera sensor comprises an infrared (IR) emitterand an IR camera.
 16. The device of claim 14, wherein the camera sensorcomprises a visible light camera.
 17. The device of claim 12, whereinthe ultrasonic sensor module includes a plurality of ultrasonictransceivers.
 18. The device of claim 12, wherein the ultrasonic sensormodule operate in a frequency range between 38 kHz and 80 kHz.
 19. Thedevice of claim 12, wherein the ultrasonic sensor module includes amicroprocessor.
 20. The device of claim 1, wherein the position sensingdevice includes an infrared laser scan sensor.
 21. The device of claim 1including a surface, wherein the virtual input is defined substantiallyon the surface.
 22. The device of claim 21 including an image on thesurface, the image indicating the location of the virtual input.
 23. Thedevice of claim 22, including a projector to project the image on thesurface.
 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the surface is non-planar.25. The device of claim 24, wherein the image is projected as moving onthe surface.
 26. The device of claim 22, wherein the surface isnon-planar.
 27. The device of claim 1, wherein the position sensingdevice is an optical sensor.
 28. A virtual game surface interface devicefor determining actuation of a virtual input by a user input actuatorassociated with a user, the device comprising: a game surface thatextends across a portion of a belly glass or top glass of a gamingmachine; a position sensing device comprising an ultrasonic transceivermodule for determining a location of the user input actuator; and acontroller coupled to the position sensing device, the controllerdetermining whether a portion of the user input actuator is within avirtual input location in space defining the virtual input substantiallyon the game surface.
 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the controllergenerates an output signal indicating actuation of the virtual inputwhen the controller determines a portion of the user input actuator iswithin the virtual input location.
 30. The device of claim 28, whereinthe ultrasonic transceiver module includes a plurality of ultrasonictransceivers.
 31. The device of claim 28, wherein the position sensingdevice includes a microprocessor.
 32. The device of claim 28, whereinthe surface is non-planar.
 33. A user interface comprising: anaudio-visual output system; a surface that extends across a portion of abelly glass or a top glass of a gaming machine; a virtual input definedat a location substantially on the surface; a non-contacting positionsensor comprising an electromagnetic position sensor and configured todetermine a location of a user input actuator; and a controller coupledto the non-contacting position sensor, the controller configured todetermine whether a portion of the user input actuator is located at thevirtual input and cause the audio-visual output system to change itsoutput when the user input actuator is determined to be at the virtualinput.
 34. The user interface of claim 33, wherein the electromagneticposition sensor comprises a Doppler radar.
 35. The user interface ofclaim 33 including a projector for projecting an image of an input atthe location of the virtual input.
 36. A virtual interface device fordetermining actuation of a virtual input by a user input actuatorassociated with a user, the device comprising; a first position sensormodule including a first position sensor, wherein the first positionsensor comprises an electromagnetic sensor, and a first digital signalprocessor for creating a first data image of the user input actuator; asecond position sensor module including a second position sensor and asecond digital signal processor for creating a second data image of theuser input actuator; a controller defining a virtual location in spaceof the virtual input, and configured, responsive to the first data imageand the second data image, to determine whether a portion of the userinput actuator is within the virtual location.
 37. The device of claim36, wherein the electromagnetic sensor is a Doppler radar.
 38. Thedevice of claim 36, wherein the second position sensor is an ultrasonicsensor.
 39. The device of claim 36 comprising a surface, and the virtuallocation is defined relative to the surface.
 40. The device of claim 39,wherein the surface is non-planar.
 41. The device of claim 40 includingan image on the surface, the image including an indicium indicating thelocation of the virtual location.
 42. The device of claim 41 including aprojector to project the image on the surface.
 43. The device of claim42, wherein the image is projected as moving on the surface.
 44. Thedevice of claim 36 including an image on the surface, the imageincluding an indicium indicating the location of the virtual location.45. The device of claim 44 including a projector to project the image onthe surface.
 46. The device of claim 45, wherein the image is projectedas moving on the surface.